The allure of coin collecting lies not just in the beauty and history of the coins but also in the thrill of discovering a piece worth far more than its face value. Among these treasures, the Bicentennial Quarter holds a special place, with certain rare editions fetching nearly $20,000 at auctions.
This phenomenon isn’t isolated; several other quarters are valued over $2,000, making them highly sought after by collectors. Let’s cut into the world of these valuable quarters, looking into their history, rarity, and what makes them so special.
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1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter commemorates the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. While millions were minted, the ones of interest are those struck in 40% silver, primarily intended for collectors. These special edition quarters are distinguishable by their unique design featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse side, surrounded by 13 stars.
A pristine, uncirculated, or specially graded coin, especially those with no ‘S’ mint mark but struck in San Francisco, can fetch nearly $20,000. The rarity, condition, and historical significance of these quarters make them a jewel in any collection.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter marks the beginning of the Washington quarter series, minted in Denver. With a mintage of only 436,800, it’s one of the rarest and most sought-after quarters.
Collectors prize this coin for its low mintage and historical significance, as it was introduced to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. A coin in good condition can easily surpass the $2,000 mark, with prices escalating for those in finer states.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to its Denver counterpart, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly coveted due to its low mintage of 408,000 pieces. Minted in San Francisco, this quarter is a key date for collectors of the Washington series.
Its value over $2,000 is attributed to its rarity and the demand among collectors for completing their Washington quarter collections. The price can significantly increase based on the coin’s condition and grading.
1943-S Washington Quarter
The 1943-S Washington Quarter is another gem, particularly in its silver composition during World War II. This quarter is sought after not only for its historical context but also for its rarity in high-grade conditions. Minted in San Francisco, it had a relatively low production compared to other years, making high-grade examples rare and valued over $2,000.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating piece due to its error – the Denver mint mark was stamped over an S mint mark. This error created a rarity that collectors covet, especially in high-grade conditions. Such pieces can easily exceed the $2,000 threshold, with their value appreciating over time as more collectors seek to add this unique error coin to their collections.
1964-D Quarter with Doubled Die Reverse
The 1964-D Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is a rarity caused by a minting error where the die used to stamp the coin was doubled. This resulted in a noticeable doubling of the ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM’ inscription and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. High-grade examples of this error are rare and can command prices well over $2,000.
The world of coin collecting is filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The Bicentennial Quarter and the other quarters listed above represent just a fraction of the valuable pieces that can transform an ordinary collection into a treasure trove.
Their historical significance, rarity, and the stories they tell make them highly desirable to collectors and investors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, the hunt for these rare quarters can be a rewarding and potentially lucrative pursuit.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter special?
The Bicentennial Quarter is special due to its 40% silver content and unique design, making certain editions highly valuable.
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter rare?
Its rarity is due to a low mintage of only 436,800 coins.
How valuable is the 1932-S Washington Quarter?
In good condition, it can surpass $2,000, with higher values for better grades.
What is the significance of the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter?
The overmintmark error makes it a highly sought-after piece among collectors.
What error is found on the 1964-D Quarter?
It features a doubled die reverse, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the reverse design.
